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Greetings. I have taken a short 20 years off of railroading and now it's time to build my first layout in um... a real long time. Since I am older and thus wiser, I am planning this layout to the Nth degree (in N scale no less). What I am in need of is layout design assistance. I need someone to review my requirements and offer suggestions/critique on my track plans. I am an expert (not master) user of 3rd Plan It! (Highly recommended software I might add) so I can provide example track plans with my collaborator(s). Here are my design cornerstones: 1. N-Scale. 2. Trackwork and structures are the focus. 3. 10 x 6 area for the layout. 4. Rear wall and left wall are present, no right side or front wall 5. Era will be 1965-70 urban Chicago (may go slightly earlier or later) 6. Areas modeled will include downtown and south side urban areas 7. Passenger traffic in the form of Chicago commuter (IC & RI) 8. Freight traffic will be an imaginary belt railroad (ala BRC) 9. Realism is a lower priority than fun 10. Benchwork using "modules" that can be moved later if necessary. 11. Module sizes are 2' x 6' - May modify one to 18" x 6' so the other can be 30" 12. I have read layout planning for realistic operations (Armstrong) and subscribe to it's design philosphy. Minimum radii on my layout will be 15.5" with 17" more common. The train room is nearly done and I will be constructing benchwork in the next few weeks/month. I am also looking for feedback on the following questions: 1. What track? I am leaning towards Atlas Code 55 2. DC vs. DCC (I am *NOT* an experienced wiring guy) 3. Bench height (42 inches or 48 inches - I have a 3 year old) 4. Air filtration (how pracitcal is it to keep the area dust free) 5. I am considering "ripped" plywood for benchwork rather than 1x3 / 1x2 lumber 6. Minimum radius of 15.5" is still a question mark. Can I go smaller? Please, I have struck out finding local help for track planning. If you can be of assistance, please contact me.
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